U.s. Marks The Asian Discovery Of America

The U. S. Postal Service issued a 50-cent airmail stamp Saturday that pays tribute to Asians and their pre-Columbian discovery of America.

The stamp continues the America Series of commemoratives heralding next year`s 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus` arrival in the New World.

The United States and 24 other members of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal are participating in an omnibus series of commemoratives under different themes.

This year`s theme is ``Pre-Columbian Voyages of Discovery.`` The stamp design shows an Asian looking into the distance, with fellow explorers in the background, at how the new world might have appeared to them after crossing the Bering Strait.

Printed across the top is the message, ``The first Americans crossed over from Asia.``

The airmail is the fifth America commemorative issued by the U.S. In 1989, two stamps depicted pre-Columbian artifacts of the native American civilization that existed prior to Columbus.

Last year, a commemorative depicted the Grand Canyon and an airmail stamp an American tropical coastline; both stamps recalled the natural wonders seen by the early explorers.

The postal union members also are planning their own stamps for next year`s celebration of Columbus` arrival to America.

The union was founded in 1911 by the 10 South American countries as the South American Postal Union, and since 1931 has been expanded to include the U. S., Canada, Mexico, the Central American countries and Spain and Portugal. First day collectors who affix stamps on self-addressed envelopes should send requests to Customer Affixed Envelopes, America Airmail Stamp, Postmaster, 344 West Third Ave., Anchorage, Alaska, 99510-9991.

Or send self-addressed envelopes and check or money order of 50 cents to America Airmail Stamp, Postmaster, 344 West Third Ave., Anchorage, Alaska, 99510-9992.

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The 250th anniversary of magazine publishing industry in the United States was observed Monday with a 29-cent stamped envelope. The indicium is a hologram depicting a stylized globe and the words ``American Magazine.`` The envelope is made of from 50 percent of recycled fiber.

First day ceremonies were held in Naples, Fla. First day collectors may send envelopes affixed with addresses to Customer Supplied Envelopes, Magazine Industry Envelope, 1200 Goodlette Rd., N, Naples, Fla., 33940-9991.